Carry On

Harry Leaton advertised in The Stage, 25 July 1918: ‘Harry Leaton Presents the Great Scottish Super Spy Play – Carry On; or, The Secret Aeroplane. By G. Gordon Jefferson and R. F. Morrison. An Episode of the R. F. C. Without doubt the greatest Spy Play of modern times, and of especial “drawing” powers in view of the recent disclosures in certain well-known papers relative to the abortive attempts to purchase secret aeroplanes in Britain capable of flying to Germany. Production August 5 Paisley T., Paisley, Booked by Moss Empires, Ltd. for their Glasgow Coliseum. Four Gripping Acts culminating in the Great Fight in the Air Scene. Realised by means of electrically controlled aeroplanes (Models) complete and correct in every detail. A Marvel of Realism. (The spies attempt to fly to Germany with the latest British secret aeroplane from an aeroplane factory “somewhere” on the East Coast of Scotland, but are foiled and brought down in flames. Four-sheet of this by Stafford’s, specially cut. A Sure Thriller and a Draw. Star Cast Includes Jerrold Heather, Leah Corentez, Basil Raye, Lalla Stanhope, Fred A. Marston, Lily Leoni, Robert Robertson. Magnificent New Scenery by N. Hinchey. Specially painted for this production. No local stuff used. Every cloth brand new – including canvas. No old stuff repainted. Quite refreshing to the jaded public eye. The Play that will pack any Theatre’. Reviewed in The Era, 14 August 1918, and The Stage, 15 August 1918, the latter giving the cast as: Sir John Douglas, William S. Palmer; Capt. Stanley Douglas, Jerrold Heather; Colonel Maxwell V.C., Fred A. Marston; Capt. Rudolph von Essenbourg, Robert Ferris; Sergt. Sandy M’Allister, Robert Robertson; Hamel Clentz, J. Halston Crimmins; Mary Wilson, Lalla Stanhope; Caroline von Krechner, Leah Corentez; Maggie M’Allister, Lily Leoni; Wilfred Martin, Robt. James; Jimmy Morris, John Higgins; Bobby Paterson, David Anson. The Stage also reported that 'There is nothing very original in the theme of the play, but credit must be given for cleverly-written dialogue. The comedy in the first act is unnecessarily prolonged, and tends to take from the main interest. The third act is full of thrills. In the fourth act two miniature aeroplanes are shown in fight and engagement. A feature of the production worthy of special mention is the setting, which reflects well on the scenic artist, N. Hinchey'.

The Motherwell Times, 9 August 1918, advertised ‘Monday, August 12th, and during the Week Harry Leaton and Scott Watson Present The Great New Scottish Super Spy Play (An Episode of the Royal Flying Corps) “Carry On; Or, The Secret Aeroplane.” By G. Gordon Jefferson. The Greatest War Play yet written, exposing the real danger of the Hidden Hand in Our Midst. In Four Acts’. Also: ‘A topical war-time play on the subject of “spies,” with a Scottish environment, proves a big attraction at the Empire this week. It is styled the great new Scottish super-spy play, “Carry On,” or “The Secret Aeroplane” (an episode of the Royal Flying Corps), by G. Gordon Jefferson. The play is presented by Harry Leaton and Scott Watson. The real danger of the Hidden Hand in our midst is exposed in this play, which is bound to arrest public attention’ (Motherwell Times, 16 August 1918).

‘What is described the “Great Scottish Super Spy Play,” “Carry On, or the Secret Aeroplane,” was successfully produced at Perth Theatre on Monday. The piece may be regarded as a rattling good melodrama, with a strong popular and patriotic appeal. Exception might be taken to the length of some of the “speeches” and the explanations, in the nature of stage directions, which are put in the mouths of certain of the actors, but no extraneous or unnecessary incidents have been introduced, and play moves swiftly from the start to the sensational denouement. As a piece of stage craft “Carry On” is entitled to rank highly. It was impossible that there could be any striking degree of originality in a play of this kind, but the situations are naturally developed and highly dramatic, and the robust, patriotic sentiments of the leading men and the heroine are expressed in felicitous language and in a marked degree inspiring. The mechanical effects add greatly to the attractions of the drama, and it is little short of marvellous that they could have been carried through on a first night, as they were, without the slightest accident. This alone is sufficient to show that the producers are consummate masters of the art of stage craft. The aeroplane fight in the last Act is somewhat hampered by the comparative smallness of the stage, nevertheless the machines are accurately modelled, and convey a clear impression of what genuine aeroplanes look like when skimming the zenith'. Perthshire Advertiser, 28 August 1918.

Noted in The Stage, 5 September 1918, presented by Harry Leaton and Scot Watson’s company. The cast included William S. Palmer, Jerrold Heather, Fred A. Marston, Richard Ferris, Robert Robertson, Austin Moor, Thomas Hardy, Lalla Stanhope, Leah Coventry, Lily Leoni, Robert James and John Higgins.

Previewed in the Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, 7 September 1918: ‘Since the 4th of August, 1914, much has been written and read regarding the actualities of war, and one subject that has always been prominently before the public, is the German spy menace. Through the enterprise of Mr Harry Leaton, the well-known Scottish variety agent, there is to be presented at the Opera House, Kirkcaldy, on Monday first, a thrilling four-act play dealing with the spy peril, entitled “Carry On.” It is from the pen of another well-known gentleman in the theatrical world, namely Mr G. Gordon Jefferson, late manager of the Coliseum Theatre, Glasgow. The plot centres round the machinations of two enemy spies, who get into this country in the guise of American tourists, and endeavour to steal a powerful new type of British aeroplane, but their designs eventually are cleverly frustrated’.

‘A thrilling four-act play entitled “Carry On,” or “The Secret. Aeroplane,” dealing with the spy peril, is the attraction at, the Palace Theatre this week. The play is from the pen of G. Gordon Jefferson, late manager of the Coliseum Theatre, Glasgow. The plot centres round the machinations of two enemy spies who get into this country in the guise of American tourists and endeavour to steal a powerful new type of British aeroplane. Everything is done to produce realistic effects in the staging of the play, one scene showing a fight in the air between two aeroplanes. There is also a special wireless installation which is used for communication with German submarines. The piece was capably acted'. Aberdeen Press and Journal and Aberdeen Evening Express, both 17 September 1918.

Advertised and previewed in the Wishaw Press and Advertiser, 27 September 1918.

‘A subject that has always been prominently before the public is the German Spy menace, and through the enterprise of Mr Harry Leaton, the well known Scottish variety agent, there is to be presented at the King’s Theatre, on Monday first [sic], a thrilling four act play dealing with the spy peril, entitled “Carry On.” It is from the pen of another well-known gentleman in the Theatrical world, namely, Mr G. Gordon Jefferson, late manager of the Coliseum Theatre, Glasgow. The plot centres round the machinations of two enemy spies, who get into this country in the guise of American tourists, and endeavour to steal a powerful new type of British aeroplane, but their designs eventually are cleverly frustrated. As regards effects, nothing has been left undone to make “Carry On” one of the most realistically staged plays ever presented to the public. One scene depicts a fight in the air between two aeroplanes. This alone is warranted to provide a series of thrills in the space of a few minutes, that would satisfy the most exacting in the matter of sensations. This is no make believe affair, but an actual combat between two genuine aeroplanes. Then there is the special wireless installation, where more exciting moments are provided. A specially selected company of London West-End artistes has been engaged, and Kilmarnock theatre-goers can rely upon witnessing one of the most thrilling and soul-stirring plays that has ever been presented in the town’. Kilmarnock Herald and North Ayrshire Gazette, 4 October 1918, in terms used also by other newspapers and clearly provided by the touring company.

Previewed in the Stirling Observer, 15 October 1918.

The Leven Advertiser & Wemyss Gazette, 17 October 1918, advertised ‘Next Week – Harry Leaton & Scot Watson Present The Great New Super Spy Play, An Episode of “The Royal Flying Corps”, Regimental Motto – “Through Difficulties to the Stars.” Carry On, Or The Secret Aeroplane. By G. Gordon Jefferson. The greatest War Play yet written, exposing the read danger of The Hidden Hand in our Midst. The Great Fight in the Air, Actually realised – not a Film. Note – The action of the Play takes place on the East Coast of Scotland’.

Advertised in the Glasgow Observer and Catholic Herald, 2 November 1918: ‘See this play and understand why we should intern every enemy alien’. Also: ‘Abounding with thrills, the new four-act spy play at the Coliseum, “Carry On,” has many features which show a novelty of conception on the part of the author, Mr. G. Gordon Jefferson, late manager of the Eglinton Street house. The plot circles round two spies who endeavour to steal a powerful new type of British aeroplane. There is a special wireless installation, in connection with which many exciting moments are provided. It is a play that appeals to a wide circle and is certain to attract big audiences’. Daily Record, 5 November 1918.

The Falkirk Herald, 30 November 1918, advertised ‘Harry Leaton and Scot Watson Present The Great New Super Spy Play, An Episode of “The Royal Flying Corps,” Carry On, Or “The Secret Aeroplane” By G. Gordon Jefferson. The Greatest War Play yet written. Exposing the real danger of The Hidden Hand in our Midst. See the Great Fight in the Air (Actually Realised, Not a Film). Note – The action of the Play takes place on the East Coast of Scotland’. Also: ‘A fascinating play, in four acts, dealing with the German spy system which poisoned this country before the war, will be placed on the hoards next week. The story, which deals with the daring intrigues of two German spies, has been powerfully and skilfully written by Mr G. Gordon Jefferson, who until lately was manager of the Coliseum Theatre, Glasgow. “Carry On,” such is the title of the play, deals largely with an attempt by the enemy agents to acquire the secret new type of British aeroplane, and there are wonderfully realistic effects introduced, including an aerial fight. The whole play abounds in thrilling, dramatic situations, first in the development of the enemy scheme up to a point, and then the baulking of their designs. A talented and capable company will form the cast, and the patrons of the Grand, may look forward to a performance of intense interest’ (Falkirk Herald, 30 November 1918).

‘“Carry On,” a thrilling story of the dauntless Air Service, received an enthusiastic reception from packed “houses” last night. The play contains a thrill in every line, the ingenious plans of the spies, the stealing of the secret aeroplane, and the thrilling fight in mid-air being only a few of the many exciting episodes with which the four scenes abound. The hero of the play, Captain Douglas, is undertaken by Basil Raye, and the part of Mary Wilson, who brings down the aeroplane, is excellently represented by Celeste Grey. The German spies are also cleverly represented by Richard Ferris and G. Gordon Jefferson. The humorous items are rendered by Robert Robertson as Sergeant Sandy M’Allister’. Edinburgh Evening News, 10 December 1918.

Reviewed in the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, 21 December 1918: ‘There was a large attendance, and the acting throughout was received with unstinted applause and appreciation … The props are extra good, and the piece is magnificently staged and brilliantly presented’. The cast included W. S. Palmer, Basil Raye, Fred A. Marston, Richard Ferris, Doris Brookes, Robert Robertson, Lily Leoni, Celeste Grey, G. Gordon Jefferson, John Higgins, Robert James, and Thomas Hardy.

The Glasgow Observer and Catholic Herald, 21 December 1918, advertised at the Partick Star Palace, ‘Harry Leaton and Scot Watson Present the Great New Super Spy Play, “The Secret Aeroplane,” Or “Carry On.” The Greatest War Play ever Written. Specially Selected London Company’.